Commission May Call for Increased Liquor Tax to Help Homeless

As Fort Lauderdale's restriction on feeding the homeless in public parks grabs national headlines, the Wilton Manors Commission may propose a resolution to help fund programs aimed at helping the homeless.

At the next commission meeting on Nov. 25, Wilton Manors Vice Mayor Scott Newton said he would propose a resolution to call for Broward County to pass a one percent sales tax on drinks sold in bars and restaurants and use the money to fund programs that help the homeless.

"To me [one percent] sounds pretty reasonable."

He said more should be done to help homeless individuals who are mentally capable of working and improving their situation. "That's the long term goal, to get them back into society because nobody wants to be homeless."

Miami-Dade already has a one percent Homeless and Domestic Violence Tax on food and beverages, which it uses to assist homeless individuals and victims of domestic violence and abuse.

Broward, under state statute 212.0306, could also pass a sales tax to help pay for emergency homeless shelters, food, clothing, medical care, counseling, alcohol and drug abuse treatment, mental health treatment, employment and training, education, and housing. Businesses that generate less than $400,000 in revenue per year would be exempt. For the first 12 months, the funds raised would have to be used to help individuals who are homeless or about to become homeless. After that, no less than 15 percent of the funds can be used for the construction and operation of domestic violence centers.

Mayor Gary Resnick calls Newton's proposal "a nice idea" but expressed doubts that it would be approved by the county. He also cited the county's existing homeless outreach programs. The multi-million dollar Homeless Initiative Partnership Administration, which has homeless assistance programs funded in part by the state and federal governments.

Commissioners Justin Flippen, Julie Carson and Tom Green expressed support for the idea of helping the homeless but wanted to know more before agreeing with Newton's proposal. "It might be what he's suggesting is not necessary," said Green.

Newton may not find much support from bar and restaurant owners.

Nick Berry, who co-owns Courtyard Caf� and Rumors, both on Wilton Drive, said he would oppose to any additional tax on bars and restaurants that sell alcohol. "Why shouldn't the residents pay too? Do it ad valorem [property taxes]. I don't think it should be put on businesses." He warned it could hurt business in the city because bars that sell liquor have to absorb sales tax on drink sales. "I'm 100 percent against it."

Carson said she's not sure if taxing liquor sends the right message "but I'm glad he's thinking outside the box. I'd like to explore what other people are doing. I will certainly entertain and appreciate any idea to deal with the homeless problem."

At the same meeting, Wilton Manors commissioners are also expected to hold their second and final vote on the anti-panhandling ordinance they approved on Oct. 14. If passed, the law would make it illegal for anyone to panhandle, sell or solicit in the roadway within 200 feet of any intersection on Wilton Drive, Dixie Highway, Northeast 26 Street, Oakland Park Boulevard, Andrews Avenue, Northeast 6 Street and Powerline Road.

Michael Rajner, resident and local activist, said the law was a criminalization of the homeless population and said other solutions need to be found. Police and city officials say the law intended to improve public safety, not target the homeless.

Carson was the only one to vote against the proposal because she worries the cost to prosecute individuals who break the law could become "exorbitant." If the city prosecutes someone who breaks the law it would be responsible for funding that person's defense. Officials are unable to provide an estimate of what that would cost.